Birkenhead dad dies rescuing daughter from river

Jun 7 2010

A DAD died after rescuing his daughter from a mid Wales river.

Philip Jack, from Birkenhead, jumped into the river Dulas at Pantperthog, near Machynlleth, on Saturday afternoon after the six-year-old got into difficulties.

But after passing the girl to bystanders on the bank the 45-year-old started to struggle.

He was pulled unconscious from the water. But desperate attempts by paramedics failed to revive him. Mr Jack never regained consciousness and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

It is understood Mr Jack , described as a good swimmer who represented his county, only arrived at Llwyngwern Farm holiday park an hour before the tragedy unfolded.

A dad to two daughters, Mr Jack and his partner were expecting their third child next month. His partner is believed to have stayed at home while the family enjoyed a half-term break.

In an emotional tribute released by police last night the family said: "He was a wonderful father, partner, son and best friend.

"We are all very proud of him and love him very much.

"We were, as a family, looking forward to the arrival of our new baby next month."

A camper said last night: "The girl went into the water after the dog, a terrier, jumped into the river. She had got into difficulty and shouted for help and the man sprinted into the water from his tent nearby."

Park owner Ralph Beaumont described the incident as "an awful tragedy".

He said: "He rushed down and dived in after her and obviously got into difficulty in the water."